We research the metabolic regulation of T cells and investigate how nutrition and metabolism control the various functions of the immune system. These connections are crucial for health because the metabolism of a single immune cell is closely linked to the metabolism of the entire body.
We recently demonstrated that different metabolic pathways in so-called “unconventional T cells” direct their function toward either pro-inflammatory and anti-tumor phenotypes or regulatory and reparative phenotypes.
A key focus of our work is the metabolically competitive tumor microenvironment and cardiovascular diseases characterized by dyslipidemia.
By understanding how systemic nutrient status, tissue-specific metabolic signals, and cellular metabolic programs interact to regulate T cell functions, we aim to specifically modulate immune responses, optimize metabolic health, and develop new therapeutic approaches.
